Nancy D. Rivero

Nancy Rivero, 78, beloved widow of Manuel Rivero of New Britain, Conn., passed away on January 21, 2021. Nancy was born on August 26, 1942 in Los Arabos Matanzas Cuba, daughter of the late Manuel Diaz and Lucia Rodriguez. Nancy came to the United States with her handsome husband, Manuel, and resided in New Britain for more than 60 years. In Cuba, she lived on a farm along with her parents and she was the youngest of 15 brothers and sisters. While in Cuba, she earned her certificate as a professional seamstress and taught others the art of sewing. She brought her talent with her to the states and sewed professionally for local businesses and created the most beautiful garments with perfection.

After retirement, she spent most of her time lovingly caring for her grandchildren while their parents went to work. They gave her so much joy and happiness. She had the most beautiful voice and would always be singing Cuban folk songs. She was an excellent cook and made the best Cuban food. Family, love and her spirituality were most important to her. There were always family members coming to visit on a daily basis and always a reason to have a picnic in the backyard with so many aunts and uncles, cousins, and friends. The more the merrier!

She was an active member of the Cuban Club where she participated in their bowling league with her husband. She enjoyed going to the Cuban Club with the family to attend dances and many other fun events.

She and her husband had three children and were predeceased by their son Elvis Rivero. She is survived by her two daughters Elizabeth Jankowski and her husband John of Newington. Sandra Enriquez and her husband Robert of Glastonbury. Her beloved grandchildren Vanessa Rivero, Elvis Rivero, Jr., Michael Delgado, Julia Delgado, Natalie Enriquez, Claudia Enriquez, and four great-grandchildren.

She was an active parishioner at St. Mary’s Church in New Britain.

She contributed to many non-profit organizations and sponsored many children in need of food and shelter. She had such a big heart and cared greatly for them.

She leaves her devoted sisters, Josefa Godelfo, Dorinda Garcia, Oralia Fernandez, and Maria Rivero; and many nieces and nephews who loved her very much. She was predeceased by sisters and brothers, Julianita Alfonso, Amadita Alfonso, Perfecto Alfonso, Mary Bravo, Sofia Zamora, Florentino Alfonso, Jesus Alfonso, Jose Diaz, Consuelo Perez, and Santiago Diaz.

Funeral services will be held on Thursday at 9:30 AM at Erickson-Hansen Funeral Home, 411 So. Main St., followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:30 AM at St. Mary Church. Burial will be in St. Mary Cemetery. Calling hours are Wednesday from 4-7 PM at the funeral home.